CN113811350A

CN113811350A - Magnetic stimulation apparatus and method

Info

Publication number: CN113811350A
Application number: CN202080035069.1A
Authority: CN
Inventors: 弗朗西斯科·贾维尔·韦拉斯科·瓦尔克
Original assignee: Panacea Quantum Leap Technology LLC
Current assignee: Panacea Quantum Leap Technology LLC
Priority date: 2019-03-28
Filing date: 2020-03-28
Publication date: 2021-12-17
Also published as: JP2022527745A; CO2021014610A2; EP3950044A1; US20220176144A1; EP3950044A4; WO2020194278A1

Abstract

The present disclosure relates to non-invasive tissue magnetic stimulation devices and methods, and in particular, magnetic fields moving relative to tissue. The magnetic stimulation device comprises: a coil generating a magnetic field; and a first displacement mechanism connected to the coil and to the support surface; a first displacement mechanism moves the coil around the tissue to stimulate the tissue. The magnetic stimulation method for body tissue comprises the following steps: a) operatively disposing a coil on body tissue; b) generating a magnetic field by means of a coil; and c) moving the coil around the tissue according to the determined motion pattern to stimulate the tissue.

Description

Magnetic stimulation apparatus and method

Technical Field

The present disclosure relates to magnetic stimulation devices and methods for tissue, and more particularly, to magnetic stimulation devices and methods for tissue that are non-invasive to the tissue being stimulated.

Background

Some medical conditions are treated or diagnosed by applying a time-varying magnetic field to an affected portion of a patient's body. Muscle tissue cells, nerve tissue cells, living tissue or conductive biological tissue will respond to magnetic stimuli, typically electromagnetic fields.

When a time-varying magnetic field is applied to the body, an electric current is induced on a portion of the body, and thus, cells of biological tissue constituting the portion of the body can be stimulated by polarization or depolarization. Furthermore, a time-varying magnetic field can be used to contract muscle tissue as if it were a stimulus at the level of neural tissue.

Due to this interaction between the time-varying magnetic field and the biological tissue, magnetic stimulation may be used for rehabilitation of injured or paralyzed muscle groups, treatment of stimulation of peripheral nerves, pain relief, revascularization stimulation, wound healing, tissue movement and bone growth or bone regeneration. One area of particular interest is the treatment of neuropsychiatric disorder depression. These include depression, schizophrenia, mania, obsessive compulsive disorder, panic disorder, and the like. Another area is the study of tissue response to its magnetic stimuli.

The magnetic stimulus may be applied invasively or non-invasively by a time-varying magnetic field. For invasive applications, healthy tissue surrounding the relevant tissue must be destroyed to gain access to the relevant tissue, which may lead to additional complications beyond those arising from the relevant tissue, and therefore invasive use of magnetic stimulation applications is not recommended in some cases.

On the other hand, by applying a time-varying magnetic field in a non-invasive manner, it is desirable to polarize or depolarize tissue by inducing a small magnetic field in the cells that make up the tissue without the need for tissue intervention, which does not adversely affect surgical intervention in the tissue surrounding the tissue of interest.

For example, a time-varying magnetic field is applied in a non-invasive manner by an energy pulse. TMS (transcranial magnetic stimulation), rTMS (repeated transcranial magnetic stimulation) and Magnetic Convulsive Therapy (MCT) treatments require large amounts of electrical energy, typically several hundred joules (J) per pulse, in order to generate magnetic pulses capable of providing a therapeutic effect to a patient.

Thus, magnetic stimulation devices and methods for tissue are disclosed in the prior art, such as those disclosed in patent US005,989,178A and patent US2011/0125203a 1.

US005,989,178A discloses a magnetic stimulation device and method for accelerating blood circulation. The device is a magnetic ring comprising a ring with a pair of permanent magnets arranged such that the magnetic fields of the two magnets are enhanced inside the ring. The method includes wearing the ring on a digit of a person to promote blood circulation in the person. In particular, the polarity direction must be taken care when using the magnetic ring, for example: in a particular embodiment, if the ring is worn on the little finger of the left hand, the magnetic north of the ring must point in the direction of a portion of the little finger; if instead, it is worn on the right hand, the magnetic north of the ring should point to the top of the little finger.

As such, document US2011/0125203a1 discloses devices and systems for non-invasive treatment of medical conditions, which deliver energy in pulses to body tissue for therapeutic purposes. The device is an electrical coil connected to a source of electrical energy. One of the objectives of the present disclosure is to create an elongated electric field that can be oriented parallel to a particular nerve tissue. However, the devices and systems disclosed in document US2011/0125203a1 maintain a position relative to the tissue, and therefore they must be positioned at a very precise point and take a very specific orientation, which requires a very high level of expertise to stimulate the tissue.

Herein, stimulation of biological tissue refers to applying energy to the biological tissue to cause some change in a property of the biological tissue, such as impedance response of the tissue, revascularization of the tissue, temperature of the tissue, tissue health, tissue growth rate, and the like.

Disclosure of Invention

One of the disclosed embodiments is a magnetic stimulation device comprising: a coil generating a magnetic field; and a first displacement mechanism connected to the coil and the support surface; a first displacement mechanism moves the coil around the tissue to stimulate the tissue.

In a particular embodiment, the first displacement mechanism is connected to the coil by an angular actuator; wherein the angular actuator rotates the coil to change the direction of the magnetic field.

In another particular embodiment of the disclosed apparatus, the coil is a helmholtz coil arrangement.

In a particular embodiment, the first displacement mechanism is selected from the group consisting of a winch, a crane, a pneumatically actuated cylinder, a hydraulically actuated cylinder, a mechanically or electromechanically actuated cylinder, a single acting cylinder, a double acting cylinder, a gantry provided with a chain crane, a cable or a belt, wherein said crane may comprise a skid allowing movement orthogonal to the longitudinal direction, a scissor lift, a carriage guide mechanism and combinations thereof.

Optionally, in an embodiment of the apparatus of the present disclosure, the first displacement mechanism is a carriage guide mechanism comprising a first guide connected to the support surface, a first carriage movably connected to the first guide, and a first drive mechanism connected to the first carriage, wherein the first drive mechanism moves the first carriage along the first guide.

Optionally, the first displacement mechanism comprises a brake device connected to the first drive mechanism.

In an alternative embodiment, the first displacement mechanism is connected to the angular actuator by means of a linear actuator, wherein the linear actuator allows the coil to move along the x-axis.

In a variant of the aforementioned alternative embodiment, the magnetic stimulation device further comprises a second displacement mechanism connected between the first displacement mechanism and the angular actuator; wherein the second displacement mechanism moves the coil along the y-axis.

In a variation of the aforementioned alternative embodiment, the magnetic stimulation device further comprises a second displacement mechanism connected between the first displacement mechanism and the angular actuator, wherein the second displacement mechanism moves the coil along the y-axis, an angular actuator, and a linear actuator connected between the angular actuator and the second displacement mechanism, the linear actuator allowing displacement of the coil along the x-axis.

In a variation of the aforementioned alternative embodiment, the magnetic stimulation device further comprises a third displacement mechanism connected between the angular actuator and the linear actuator, the third displacement mechanism being connected to the distal end of the rod of the linear actuator, the third displacement mechanism having: a first curved guide connected to the rod, a third carriage movably connected to the first curved guide, and a third drive mechanism connected to the third carriage, wherein the third displacement mechanism moves the coil in the first path, and the third drive mechanism moves the third carriage along the first curved guide.

In a variant of the aforementioned alternative embodiment, the magnetic stimulation device further comprises a fourth displacement mechanism connected between the linear actuator and the second displacement mechanism. The fourth shift mechanism includes: a second curved guide connected to the second displacement mechanism, a fourth carriage movably connected to the second curved guide, and a fourth drive mechanism connected to the fourth carriage, wherein the fourth displacement mechanism moves the coil within the second path and the fourth drive mechanism moves the fourth carriage along the second curved guide.

In a variant of the aforementioned alternative embodiment, the magnetic stimulation device further comprises a turntable located on said surface, wherein the body is located on the turntable.

In another aspect, this document also discloses a method for magnetic stimulation of body tissue.

Generally, in the magnetic stimulation of tissue disclosed in this document, the path of the magnetic field on the tissue follows different trajectories in three-dimensional space as a function of time, based on the determined movement pattern and on the generation of the magnetic field according to the activation signal.

A method of magnetic stimulation of body tissue, comprising the steps of: a) operatively placing the coil on the body tissue; b) generating a magnetic field by means of a coil; c) the coil is moved around the tissue according to the determined motion pattern to stimulate the tissue.

In a particular embodiment of the method, in step b), the magnetic field follows the activation signal.

In another particular embodiment of the method, in step c), the movement pattern follows a path along the longitudinal axis of the tissue.

In a particular embodiment of the method, in step b) the strength of the magnetic field generated on the tissue is between 0.1mT (millitesla) and 200mT (millitesla).

Optionally, in step c), the motion pattern changes the orientation of the coil.

Alternatively, in step c), the motion mode performs the following sub-steps: i) moving the coil in a motion pattern in a direction parallel to the longitudinal axis of the tissue until the position of the coil exceeds the length of the body tissue, and ii) changing the orientation of the coil such that the axis of the coil forms a 90 degree angle with the longitudinal axis of the tissue.

In a particular embodiment of the method for magnetic stimulation of body tissue, sub-step ii) corresponds to removing the power supply from the coil.

In another particular embodiment of the method for magnetic stimulation of body tissue, sub-step ii) is followed by sub-step iii) of moving the coil following a second motion pattern in which the axis of the coil is maintained at an angle of 90 degrees to the longitudinal axis of the tissue and gradually moving the coil away from the tissue until the magnetic field no longer stimulates the tissue.

In another particular embodiment of the method for magnetic stimulation of body tissue, sub-step iii) is followed by sub-step iv), wherein the orientation of the coil is changed such that the axis of the coil is parallel to the longitudinal axis of the tissue.

Drawings

Fig. 1 shows an example of the direction of travel and the direction of twist in two degrees of freedom allowed by the present disclosure.

Fig. 2 shows an example of the travel direction and the three-angle rotation direction allowed by the present disclosure.

Fig. 3 shows an example of the particular form of displacement allowed by the present disclosure, in which the magnetic field generated by the coil is perpendicular to the subject's length.

Fig. 4 shows an example of a travel direction and a twist direction that the present disclosure allows for stimulation of two degrees of freedom of a subject's arm.

Fig. 5 shows an example of the travel and rotation directions of the three degrees of freedom allowed by the present disclosure.

Fig. 6 is a diagram illustrating an example of a particular form of displacement allowed by the present disclosure, in which the magnetic field generated by the coil is perpendicular to the arm length of the subject's arm.

Fig. 7 shows an example of a particular path of travel and twist directions that the present disclosure allows along two degrees of freedom of a subject's body in a side view.

Fig. 8 shows an example of a particular path in a top view that the present disclosure allows for a direction of travel and a direction of twist along two degrees of freedom of a subject's body.

Fig. 9 shows an example of the specific paths that the present disclosure allows for a direction of travel and a direction of twist along two degrees of freedom of the subject's body in top and overlay views.

Fig. 10 shows an example of the specific paths of the motion direction and the torsion direction in the two degrees of freedom allowed by the present disclosure and the displacement mechanism.

Fig. 11 shows an example of the direction of motion and the direction of torsion in two degrees of freedom allowed by the present disclosure and the displacement mechanism.

Fig. 12 illustrates a particular embodiment of a direction of travel and a direction of rotation with two degrees of freedom, incorporating a rotating base that allows for the present disclosure.

Fig. 13 shows a specific embodiment in which the angular actuator changes the direction of the magnetic field applied to the body.

Fig. 14 illustrates a flow chart of a particular embodiment of a magnetic stimulation method for tissue of the present disclosure.

Fig. 15 shows a flow chart of a particular embodiment of the magnetic stimulation method for tissue of the present disclosure, with substeps i and ii for step c.

Fig. 16 shows a flow chart of a particular embodiment of the magnetic stimulation method for tissue of the present disclosure, with substeps i, ii and iii for step c.

Detailed Description

The present disclosure relates to a magnetic stimulation device and method for tissue. The method uses a magnetic field that follows a motion pattern in three-dimensional space with respect to the tissue.

The magnetic stimulation method of tissue of the present disclosure includes a time-varying magnetic field path to the tissue. The magnetic field follows the trajectory of the magnetic field generating coil based on the determined movement pattern of the coil and the magnetic field generation based on the stimulation pattern and thereby distributes the field energy throughout the body, stimulating the tissue.

In particular, the disclosed magnetic stimulation is applicable to biological tissue, as will be described later in this document.

Referring to fig. 1, in one example, magnetic stimulation using the present disclosure is based on the movement of a magnetic field in living tissue of a body (C). The movement may be performed in two ways, the first way being using the disclosed apparatus performing the disclosed method, the second way being for the operator to perform the steps of the disclosed method. The methods of the present disclosure will be described later in this document.

As such, the apparatus of the present disclosure moves the coil (1) in different directions of a linear or circular path relative to the longitudinal axis of the body (C). For example, the device may move the coil (1) in a cartesian coordinate system having x, y, z axes, wherein the x axis corresponds to the longitudinal direction, the y axis corresponds to the lateral direction of the body (C), and the z axis corresponds to the vertical direction of the body (C).

The device makes it possible to rotate the coil (1) with a first path (100) or a second path (101) that changes the angle between the axis of the coil (1) and the longitudinal axis of the tissue. In this way, the vector of the magnetic field is changed substantially, creating an electromagnetic dipole tissue at the tissue cellular level and at the intracellular level.

For the purposes of this disclosure, it is understood that electromagnetic dipole rearrangement is the electromagnetic direction of cells making up a tissue at the cellular level and at the intracellular level.

The cells that make up the tissue are considered electromagnetic dipoles, which in turn are point elements that generate a dipole electromagnetic field that interacts with the magnetic field provided by the disclosed device. By moving the magnetic field in a three-dimensional space around the body containing the tissue, the electromagnetic direction changes at the cellular level and at the intracellular level.

Optionally, the apparatus of the present disclosure moves the coil (1) along a third path (102) along the z-axis while maintaining its axis perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the body tissue (C).

Alternatively, in the same example, after executing the third path (102), the device rotates the coil (1) in the first path (100), thereby changing the angle between the axis of the coil (1) and the axial longitudinal tissue. In this way, the vector of the magnetic field is changed substantially, while electromagnetic dipole tissue is established at the tissue cellular level and at the intracellular level.

In another particular example of the apparatus of the present disclosure, the coil (1) is moved along a fourth path (103) along the z-axis while maintaining its axis coaxial with the longitudinal axis of the body tissue (C).

Optionally, in the same previous example, after executing the third path (102), the device rotates the coil (1) in the second path (101), thereby changing the angle between the axis of the coil (1) and the longitudinal axis of the tissue. In this way, electromagnetic dipole tissue is established at the cellular level of the tissue and at the intracellular level.

Optionally, the direction of the path followed by the coils of the disclosed device depends on the geometry of the body (C) and the path follows the length of the body (C).

Length is herein to be understood as the longest dimension of the flat or three-dimensional body; in general, it is significantly larger relative to other dimensions of the same object.

The apparatus of the present disclosure can move the coil (1) relative to the z-axis, thereby creating a path with a magnetic field on the body (C). Preferably, the body (C) is an organism, such as a human or an animal, or it may be a part of said organism, such as a hand, an arm, a leg, a head, a torso, etc., said part of said organism comprising a tissue or a group of tissues.

On the other hand, the coil (1) is a device that generates a magnetic field by supplying a current from a power source. Preferably, the magnetic field extends from the inside of the coil (1) towards the outside of the coil (1) in a direction predetermined by the geometry of the coil (1) and the direction of the current flowing through the coil (1). For example, the coil (1) may be circular, annular, elliptical, oblong, triangular, square, rectangular, pentagonal, hexagonal, octagonal or polygonal with more than three sides.

For purposes of this document, a power source is a device capable of maintaining a potential difference between two or more terminals, such as an alternating current power source, a direct current power source, a battery, a photovoltaic power source, a thermoelectric power source, and the like. Means capable of maintaining an electrical potential or voltage difference between two or more terminals or combinations known to those of ordinary skill in the art. The power supply allows to supply the power required for the operation of the coil (1).

In the present disclosure, it is understood that a motion pattern refers to the motion of sequential tissue relative to the body following a determined trajectory, which can be represented by an equation, an algorithm, or a combination of both. In a particular example, the motion pattern involves stopping motion at a particular location on the trajectory and continuing after the stop.

Optionally, in one particular example of the present disclosure, the power source supplies power required by electrical elements of the magnetic stimulation apparatus of the tissue.

In a specific example of the present disclosure, the operating voltage of the coil (1) has a voltage value of between about (about) 330V and about 20kV, and the magnetic field generated in the body is between about 0.1mT (millitesla) (equivalent to 1 Gauss) and about 200mT (equivalent to 2000 Gauss), and preferably between about 40mT and about 200 mT.

The magnetic field applied to the body by the disclosed apparatus is between about 0.1mT and about 200mT, and preferably between about 40mT and about 200 mT.

Optionally, the coil (1) has an operating voltage having a voltage value between about 0.33kV and about 20kV, between about 0.83kV and about 19.5kV, between about 1.33kV and about 19kV, between about 1.83kV and about 18.5kV, between about 2.33kV and about 18kV, between about 2.83kV and about 17.5kV, between about 3.33kV and about 17kV, between about 3.83kV and about 16.5kV, between about 4.33kV and about 16kV, between about 4.83kV and about 15.5kV, between about 5.33kV and about 15kV, between about 5.83kV and about 14.5kV, between about 6.33kV and about 14kV, between about 6.83kV and about 13.5kV, between about 7.33kV and about 13kV, between about 7.83kV and about 12kV, between about 8.33kV and about 12kV, between about 8.83kV and about 11.5kV, between about 9.33kV, between about 9kV and about 20kV, between about 20.3 kV and about 20kV, between about 5.33kV and about 20kV, between about 6.33kV and about 20kV, between about 7.33kV and about 20kV, between about 8.33kV and about 20kV, between about 9.33kV and about 20kV, between about 10.33kV and about 20kV, between about 11.33kV and about 20kV, between about 12.33kV and about 20kV, between about 13.33kV and about 20kV, between about 14.33kV and about 20kV, between about 15.33kV and about 20kV, between about 16.33kV and about 20kV, between about 17.33kV and about 20kV, between about 18.33kV and about 20kV, between about 19.33kV and about 20kV, between about 0.33kV and about 19kV, between about 0.33kV and about 18kV, between about 0.33kV and about 17kV, between about 0.33kV and about 16kV, between about 0.33kV and about 15kV, between about 0.33kV and about 14kV, between about 0.33kV, between about 13kV, between about 0.33kV and about 20kV, between about 0.33kV, between about 10kV and about 20kV, between about 0.33kV and about 8kV, between about 0.33kV and about 7kV, between about 0.33kV and about 6kV, between about 0.33kV and about 5kV, between about 0.33kV and about 4kV, between about 0.33kV and about 3kV, between about 0.33kV and about 2kV, between about 0.33kV and about 1kV, between about 1.33kV and about 2.33kV, between about 2.33kV and about 3.33kV, between about 3.33kV and about 4.33kV, between about 4.33kV and about 5.33kV, between about 5.33kV and about 6.33kV, between about 6.33kV and about 7.33kV, between about 7.33kV and about 8.33kV, between about 8.33kV and about 9.33kV, between about 9.33kV and about 10.33kV, between about 10.33kV and about 11.33kV, between about 11.33kV and about 12.33kV, between about 13kV, between about 33kV and about 33kV, between about 33.33 kV, between about 33kV and about 33kV, between about 33kV, about 15.33kV, about 33kV, about 15kV, between about 19.33kV and about 20 kV.

Alternatively, the range of magnetic field strengths produced by the disclosed apparatus is selected to be between about 1mT and about 10mT, between about 10mT and about 20mT, between about 20mT and about 30mT, between about 30mT and about 40mT, between about 40mT and about 50mT, between about 50mT and about 60mT, between about 60mT and about 70mT, between about 70mT and about 80mT, between about 80mT and about 90mT, between about 90mT and about 100mT, between about 100mT and about 110mT, between about 110mT and about 120mT, between about 120mT and about 130mT, between about 130mT and about 140mT, between about 140mT and about 150mT, between about 150mT 160mT and about 110mT, between about 160mT and about 170mT, between about 170mT and about 180mT, between about 180mT and about 190mT, between about 200mT, between about 10mT 1mT and about 40mT, between about 10mT and about 1mT, between about 1mT and about 50mT, between about 1mT and about 60mT, between about 1mT and about 70mT, between about 1mT and about 80mT, between about 1mT and about 90mT, between about 1mT and about 100mT, between about 1mT and about 110mT, between about 1mT and about 120mT, between about 1mT and about 130mT, between about 1mT and about 140mT, between about 1mT and about 150mT, between about 1mT and about 160mT, between about 1mT and about 170mT, between about 1mT and about 180mT, between about 1mT and about 190mT, between about 1mT and about 200mT, between about 200mT and about 190mT, between about 190mT and about 180mT, between about 180mT and about 170mT, between about 170mT and about 160mT, between about 150mT and about 150mT, between about 150mT 120mT and about 130mT, between about 130mT 120mT and about 130mT, between about 110mT and about 110mT, between about 110mT and about 100mT, between about 100mT and about 90mT, between about 90mT and about 80mT, between about 80mT and about 70mT, between about 70mT and about 60mT, between about 60mT and about 50mT, between about 50mT and about 40mT, between about 40mT and about 30mT, between about 30mT and about 20mT, about 20mT and about 10 mT. Between 70mT and about 60mT, between about 60mT and about 50mT, between about 50mT and about 40mT, between about 40mT and about 30mT, between about 30mT and about 20mT, between about 20mT and about 10mT, between 70mT and about 60mT, between about 60mT and about 50mT, between about 50mT and about 40mT, between about 40mT and about 30mT, between about 30mT and about 20mT, between about 20mT and about 10 mT.

As used herein, "about" or "about". It means a variation of ± 20% of the value of the variable, for example, a variation of 20% of the electric field intensity, or a variation of 20% of the operating voltage or oscillation frequency of the coil with respect to the ac power source.

In an example of the disclosed device, the coil (1) is a helmholtz coil. One of the advantages of this type of coil (1) is that it allows to generate a homogeneous magnetic field in a specific area of the body to be stimulated.

Alternatively, in another example of the apparatus of the present disclosure, the coil (1) is a coil array. The coil array may be a monolithic array with a single coil or with multiple coils.

Optionally, in another example of the apparatus of the present disclosure, the coil (1) is a helmholtz coil array. The helmholtz coil arrangement may also be a single arrangement with a single helmholtz coil or with more than one helmholtz coil.

In another embodiment of the apparatus of the present disclosure, the coil (1) is a wire loop through which alternating current or direct current circulates. Optionally, the coil (1) is a set of turns constituting an air-core solenoid. In a particular example of the present disclosure, the coil (1) is an air-core solenoid.

Furthermore, in one embodiment of the present disclosure, the coil (1) has a core made of a material specifically selected from the group consisting of air, ferrite, iron powder, nickel, iron and molybdenum alloy cores, iron, silicon and aluminum alloys, iron and silicon alloy cores, cores made of sheet or plate materials, ferrite powder, cores formed by combining powder with resin, and other cores known to those skilled in the art. Alternatively, different material combinations are used for the core to achieve a change in the hysteresis of the core itself.

Alternatively, the constructive form of the magnetic core of the coil (1) can be by means of sheets of material, compacted granules, pellets of different three-dimensional geometries, such as polyhedrons with flat faces (for example pyramids, cubes, prisms, etc.) or geometries with curved faces (for example cylinders, cones, spheres, etc.).

In another example of the present disclosure, the coil (1) is a coil array operatively connected to a control circuit.

In another particular example of the device of this document, coil (1) is an arrangement of N coils, where N is a natural number between 1 and 200.

The control circuit includes a computational cell, a power supply connected to the computational cell, a decoupling circuit connected to the power supply and the computational cell, and a coil array connected to the computational cell and the decoupling circuit. The calculation unit implements the method of the present disclosure (magnetic stimulation method of tissue) and is provided with a control circuit to generate a stimulation signal, which is emitted by the calculation unit, transmitted through the decoupling circuit and received by the coil arrangement generating a magnetic field to stimulate living tissue. In this way, the calculation unit of the control circuit allows to control the activation of the coil (1) in order to change the magnetic field strength to stimulate the body tissue (C).

In one embodiment of the apparatus of the present disclosure, the computational unit is selected from the group consisting of a Programmable Logic Controller (PLC), a microprocessor, a DSC (digital signal controller), an FPGA (field programmable gate array), a CPLD (complex programmable logic device)), an ASIC (application specific integrated circuit), an SoC (system on a chip), a PsoC (system on a chip), a computer, a server, a tablet, a cell phone, a smart phone, a signal generator, and equivalent control units known to one of ordinary skill in the art, and combinations thereof.

On the other hand, decoupling circuits, which may be based on optocouplers, relays, operational amplifiers, resistors, capacitors, transformers, diodes, thyristors, power transistors, BJTs, FETs, IGBTs, TRIACs, DIACs, SCRs, electronic switching devices, combinations of these and other electronic components, to electrically decouple two circuits or electronic components, allow electrically decoupling the power supply from the coil arrangement.

In another embodiment of the device of the present disclosure, the calculation unit allows to control the movement of the coil (1) in addition to the activation of the coil (1).

In an alternative embodiment of the disclosure, the control circuit has a second calculation unit responsible for controlling the movement of the device of the disclosure, while the first calculation unit controls the activation of the coil (1).

Typically, the computing unit may control the movement of the magnetic stimulation device of the present disclosure by activating the motor mechanism that the device has and then metering the energy supply from the power source and delivered to the coil (1).

In one particular example of the present disclosure, the coil (1) is directly connected to an alternating current power source having a voltage between about 330Vac (volts in alternating current) to about 20kVac (kilovolts in alternating current) and a frequency between about 0.1Hz and about 50 kHz.

Alternatively, the frequency range of the oscillating frequency of the AC source is selected from between 0.1Hz and about 1Hz, between about 0.3Hz and about 0.8Hz, between about 0.5Hz and about 0.6Hz, between about 0.7Hz and about 0.4Hz, between about 0.9Hz and about 0.2Hz, between about 0.3Hz and about 1Hz, between about 0.5Hz and about 1Hz, between about 0.7Hz and about 1Hz, between about 0.9Hz and about 1Hz, between about 0.1Hz and about 0.8Hz, between about 0.1Hz and about 0.6Hz, between about 0.1Hz and about 0.4Hz, between about 0.1Hz and about 0.2Hz, between about 0.3Hz and about 0.5Hz, between about 0.5Hz and about 0.7Hz, between about 0.7Hz and about 0.9Hz, between about 0.1Hz and about 1000Hz, between about 100Hz and about 900Hz, between about 200Hz and about 800Hz, between about 300Hz, between about 600Hz and about 700Hz, between about 800Hz and about 200Hz, between about 900Hz and about 100Hz, between about 1000Hz and about 0.1Hz, between about 100Hz and about 1000Hz, between about 200Hz and about 1000Hz, between about 300Hz and about 1000Hz, between about 400Hz and about 1000Hz, between about 500Hz and about 1000Hz, between about 600Hz and about 1000Hz, between about 700Hz and about 1000Hz, between about 800Hz and about 1000Hz, between about 900Hz and about 1000Hz, between about 0.1Hz and about 900Hz, between about 0.1Hz and about 800Hz, between about 0.1Hz and about 700Hz, between about 0.1Hz and about 600Hz, between about 0.1Hz and about 500Hz, between about 0.1Hz and about 400Hz, between about 0.1Hz and about 300Hz, between about 0.1Hz and about 200Hz, between about 0.1Hz and about 100Hz, between about 100Hz and about 200Hz, between about 200Hz and about 300Hz, between about 300Hz and about 400Hz, between about 400Hz and about 500Hz, between about 600Hz and about 700Hz, between about 700Hz and about 800Hz, between about 800Hz and about 900Hz, between about 900Hz and about 1000Hz, between about 1kHz and about 50kHz, between about 1Hz and about 50Hz, between about 900Hz and about 1000Hz, between about 1kHz and about 50kHz, about 1Hz and about 50 Hz. Between about 900Hz and about 1000Hz, between about 1kHz and about 50kHz, about 1Hz and about 50 Hz.

In another specific example, the coil is connected to a 60Hz 120Vac AC power supply, in another example, the coil (1) is connected to a 50Hz 120Vac AC power supply, in another example, the coil (1) is connected to a 60Hz 220Vac AC power supply, and in another example, the coil (1) is connected to a 50Hz 220Vac AC power supply. However, the coil (1) may be operated in direct current based on a mode established or not established in the computer unit.

For purposes of understanding the present disclosure, the term Vac refers to an alternating voltage or potential. Similarly, the term "tissue" refers to biological tissue of an organism consisting of one or more cells, which may consist of all of the same type of cells, or may consist of a plurality of cells arranged in an ordered manner to form a organ or organism, or may consist of a group of organs or organisms. The tissue may be healthy tissue, such as epithelial tissue, connective tissue, muscle tissue, nerve tissue, or a combination of these. The tissue may also be a tissue with a full or partial biochemical imbalance in healthy tissue, which in turn may correspond to benign neoplastic tissue, malignant neoplastic tissue, or any cell in either the extrabody or the in-body balance. In addition, tissue may refer to cells in vivo, or cells prior to implantation of the cells into the in vivo environment.

Optionally, the tissue may be derived or derived from animals, including but not limited to: mammals, birds, including chickens, turkeys, geese, and ducks; fish, crustaceans (shrimp, lobster, crayfish); and reptiles such as crocodiles and alligators. As used herein, the term "mammal" refers to any mammal classified as a mammal, including humans, non-human primates, such as cynomolgus monkeys, chimpanzees, baboons, and gorillas; domestic and farm animals including horses, cattle, pigs, goats, dogs, cats, sheep, rabbits, llamas; ungulates, such as cattle, sheep, pigs, horses, goats; dogs, cats, mice, rabbits; and rodents such as guinea pigs, hamsters, and mice.

Alternatively, the tissue is plant tissue and may be derived from or derived from plants that broadly include all plants, herbs and lower plants, such as fungi and algae.

Stimulation of biological tissue refers to applying a magnetic field to the biological tissue to cause a change in a property of the biological tissue, such as tissue impedance response, tissue vascularization, tissue temperature, tissue health, tissue growth rate, and the like.

Referring to fig. 2, in an example of the present disclosure, with the help of the apparatus and method of the present disclosure, the coil (1) is moved on an axis parallel to the longitudinal axis of the object (C), which in this example is tissue in a human body.

In this example, the path of the coil (1) follows a motion pattern in a second predetermined path (TC2), wherein the magnetic field is parallel to the longitudinal axis of the body (C) in the entire path and at the ends of the path. The orientation of the coil (1) relative to the body (C) varies with the first path (100).

In a particular example, the second predetermined path (TC2) is zigzag-shaped, changing the orientation of the coil (1) relative to the body (C) starting from the base of the body (C) until it exceeds the length of said body (C) and following the first path (100). In a particular embodiment, an angular actuator that rotates the coil (1) may be used to change the orientation of the coil (1).

Alternatively, the method of the present disclosure may be performed by an operator holding the coil (1) and moving the coil (1) according to a specific motion pattern to magnetically stimulate the tissue of the body (C). For example, the operator can perform the stroke of the coil (1) already described.

In another example of the present disclosure, the travel of the coil (1) starts at the upper part of the body (C) and ends at the lower part of the body, for example at the feet.

For the purpose of understanding the present disclosure, it is understood that the zigzag trajectory corresponds to a set of points that the moving body follows along a straight line alternately forming an incident angle and an exit angle in a three-dimensional or two-dimensional space.

In other embodiments of the apparatus and method of the present disclosure, the second predetermined trajectory (TC2) relative to the body (C) is not limited to a saw-tooth trajectory and this is selected as a straight trajectory (e.g., a pen-shaped straight line, a saw-tooth trajectory), a curve (e.g., a circle, a parabola, an ellipse, a pendulum, and an oscillation), or a configured unstable trajectory based on a motion pattern established in the computing unit. In a particular example of the magnetic stimulation apparatus and method, the second predetermined trajectory (TC2) comprises a movement in three-dimensional space around the body (C) and relative to the same body (C).

Optionally, in the same example, the device rotates the coil (1) in a first path (100) or a second path (101) to change the angle between the axis of the coil (1) and the longitudinal axis of the tissue. Thus, electromagnetic dipole tissue is established at the cellular level of the tissue and at the intracellular level of the body (C).

Referring to fig. 3, in another example, the method of the present disclosure allows the coil (1) to follow a first predetermined path (TC1) with the magnetic field perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the body (C). The magnetic stimulation device places the coil (1) and performs a circular motion in a plane parallel to the axis of the body (C).

Alternatively, in an embodiment similar to the example of fig. 3, the coil (1) follows a first predetermined trajectory (TC1) on a flat surface parallel to the axis of the body (C), and furthermore, said first predetermined trajectory (TC1)) is combined with a movement in a direction towards the axis of the body (C) or in a direction opposite to the body (C) in such a way as to bring the coil close to or away from the body (C).

Optionally, said movement of the coil (1) towards or away from the body (C) is performed before, during and after following the first predetermined path (TC 1).

Referring to fig. 4, similar to the example shown in fig. 2, in one non-limiting example, the device of the present disclosure allows the coil (1) to move on the body (C), which in this particular example is a human arm or limb.

In particular, fig. 4 shows two examples, in the first of which the body (C) is stimulated by a coil (1), the coil (1) being arranged in such a way that it generates a magnetic field in a longitudinal direction with respect to the axis of the body (C); in a second example, the direction of the magnetic field is perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the body (C).

In the example shown in fig. 4, the coil (1) of the device of the present disclosure follows a movement pattern in the z-axis direction concentric to the longitudinal axis of the body (C) and follows a fifth straight path (104) in the first stimulation step, and in the second step the movement pattern of the coil changes the direction of the axis of the coil (1) according to the second path (101), forming a right angle with respect to the longitudinal axis of the body (C).

On the other hand, in the second example shown in fig. 4, the axis of the coil (1) is perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the body (C), in the first stimulation step the movement pattern of the coil follows a sixth rectilinear trajectory (105) in the direction of the longitudinal axis of the body (C), maintaining the perpendicular direction of the axis of the coil (1) with respect to the longitudinal axis of the body (C), and in the second step the movement pattern of the coil (1) changes direction according to a third path (102) in such a way that said axis of the coil (1) coincides with an axis parallel to the longitudinal axis of the body (C).

With reference to fig. 5, the same example as that of fig. 4 is taught, but in the first stimulation step, instead of the fifth rectilinear trajectory (104), a second predetermined trajectory (TC2) is employed, zigzag on the body (C), which is the arm of a person, and in the second step the movement pattern of the coil (1) changes direction according to the second trajectory (101), in such a way that said axis of the coil (1) coincides with an axis parallel to the longitudinal axis of the body (C).

Optionally, the beginning of the second stimulation step is performed when the position of the coil (1) exceeds the length of the body (C).

In one particular example of the present disclosure, the coil (1) is moved along a z-axis extending in a direction parallel to a longitudinal axis of a body (C) being magnetically stimulated by a magnetic field with a field. The movement is generated by a first displacement mechanism (2).

Referring to fig. 3 and 6, in this case, the apparatus of the present disclosure may move the coil (1) generating the magnetic field along a first predetermined path (TC1), thereby generating a curved path for the magnetic field acting on the body (C).

Referring to fig. 6, the same example as fig. 3 is shown, but with the body (C) corresponding to the arm of the person. Optionally, to end the tissue stimulation, the angle formed by the coil (1) with respect to the longitudinal axis of the arm may be varied. Furthermore, the coil (1) may be moved towards or away from the arm when the arm is stimulated.

Optionally, said movement of the coil (1) towards or away from the arm follows a certain trajectory. The trajectory is executed before, during or after following a first predetermined trajectory (TC 1).

For example, when the angular actuator (12) arranges the coil (1) horizontally, the third displacement mechanism (11) may move the coil (1) along a first predetermined path (TC1), preferably the first predetermined path (TC1) is closed and the coil (1) moves cyclically.

The first displacement mechanism (2) is selected from the group comprising a winch, a crane, a pneumatically actuated cylinder, a hydraulically actuated cylinder, a mechanically or electromechanically actuated cylinder, a single acting cylinder, a double acting cylinder, a gantry provided with a chain crane, a cable or a belt, wherein the crane may comprise a skid allowing movement orthogonal to the longitudinal direction, a scissor lift, a carriage guide mechanism and combinations thereof.

Furthermore, the first displacement mechanism (2) may be a mechanism operated by hand power (e.g. by means of levers, pulleys, cranes).

Referring to fig. 7, 8 and 11, in one embodiment of the present disclosure, a magnetic stimulation device of tissue comprises: a coil (1) generating a magnetic field; a first displacement mechanism (2) connected to the coil (1) and the support surface (S); wherein the first displacement mechanism (2) moves the coil (1) around the tissue to stimulate the tissue.

In summary, the apparatus of the present disclosure may move a coil (1) along a z-axis of a three-dimensional coordinate system relative to a body containing tissue; in some embodiments, the z-axis of the coordinate system coincides with the longitudinal axis of the body (C).

Optionally, the first displacement mechanism (2) moves the coil (1) along the z-axis of the three-dimensional coordinate system; and wherein the magnetic field stimulates the body (C).

Optionally, the apparatus of the present disclosure allows the linear actuator (13) to move the coil (1) along the x-axis following a seventh path (106) or a ninth path (108) or an eleventh path (110). This allows the coil (1) to be moved towards or away from the body (C).

Referring to fig. 7, 10 and 12, in another example, a magnetic stimulation device of the present disclosure includes: a coil (1) generating a magnetic field; an angle actuator (12) connected to the coil (1); and a first displacement mechanism (2) connected to the support surface (S) and to the angular actuator (12); wherein the first displacement mechanism (2) moves the coil (1) along the z-axis; an angular actuator (12) rotates the coil (1) to change the orientation of the coil (1) and thereby change the direction of the magnetic field stimulating the body (C).

Alternatively, the first displacement mechanism (2) moves the coil (1) along the z-axis following an eighth path (107) or a tenth path (109).

An angular actuator (12) rotates the coil (1) following a thirteenth trajectory (112) to change the direction of the magnetic field stimulating the body (C).

Optionally, in one particular example of the disclosed apparatus, the first displacement mechanism (2) is connected to the coil (1) by means of an angular actuator (12); wherein the angular actuator (12) rotates the coil (1) according to a thirteenth trajectory (112) to change the direction of the magnetic field.

In a particular embodiment, the first displacement mechanism (2) is connected to a control circuit that controls the movement of the displacement mechanism (2).

Alternatively, the movement of the first displacement mechanism (2) is commanded by an operator. The operator moves the coil (1) according to a specific motion pattern to magnetically stimulate the tissue of the body (C). In summary, the apparatus of the present disclosure may move the coil (1) to change the direction of the magnetic field.

The above facilitates magnetic stimulation of the body (C) from different angles. Furthermore, it is convenient in that it allows the coil (1) to rotate to move the magnetic field away from the body (C). In this way, the stimulation of the body (C) by the magnetic field can be suddenly eliminated, thereby generating a rearrangement of the magnetic dipoles in the body tissue (C).

Referring to fig. 8, the linear actuator (13) may be connected to the angular actuator (12) by means of a mechanical coupling (e.g., by means of fastening elements such as screws, bolts, pins, rivets, wedges, similar elements known to those skilled in the art, and combinations thereof. Furthermore, the linear actuator (13) can be connected to the angular actuator (12) by means of a clip, claw, spline shaft connection, wherein the female shaft with the coupling cavity is connected to the angular actuator (12) or the first linear actuator mechanism (13) and the male shaft is connected to a socket of the female shaft located in the linear actuator (13) or the angular actuator (12).

Optionally, the apparatus of the present disclosure allows the linear actuator (13) to move the coil (1) along the x-axis following a ninth path (108) to allow the coil (1) to move towards or away from the body (C).

For example, in case the angular actuator (12) is constituted by a gear motor having a first transmission element connected to a second transmission element connected, the transmission element connecting the angular actuator (12) and the coil (1) may be selected from the group consisting of a belt, a chain, a rack, a sprocket, a pulley, a toothed pulley, a spur or helical gear, a friction wheel and combinations thereof.

Preferably, the transmission element coupling the coil (1) with the angular actuator (12) comprises a shaft resting on bearings located on a platform connected with the linear actuator (13). The bearing is selected from the group consisting of a bearing with a tensioning mount, a split bearing, a flange bearing, an elliptical flange bearing, and combinations thereof.

In addition, pillow blocks (pillow blocks) include selected bushings and bearings. The bearing is selected from the group consisting of ball bearings, needle bearings, roller bearings, multiple rows of balls, needle or roller bearings, and combinations thereof.

Furthermore, in case the angular actuator (12) comprises a motor or a gear motor, preferably said motor or gear motor is connected to the platform of the linear actuator (13) with a fixing element selected from the group comprising screws, bolts, rivets, pins, rivets, similar elements known to the skilled person, and combinations thereof.

Referring to fig. 7, 8 and 9, optionally, the apparatus of the present disclosure may have a fourth displacement mechanism (15) connected between the linear actuator (13) and the second displacement mechanism (8); the fourth displacement mechanism (15) is composed of:

a second curved guide (19) connected to the second displacement mechanism (8);

a fourth carriage (20) movably connected to the second curved guide (19); and

a fourth drive mechanism (21) connected to the fourth carriage (20);

wherein the fourth drive mechanism (21) moves the fourth carriage (20) along the second curved guide (19) and the fourth displacement mechanism (15) moves the coil (1) along the second predetermined path (TC 2).

Optionally, the fourth displacement mechanism (15) moves the coil (1) along the third predetermined path (TC3) in a direction opposite to the direction of the second predetermined path (TC 2).

In this case, the apparatus of the present disclosure may move the magnetic field generated by the coil (1) in a second predetermined path (TC2), so that the magnetic field acting on the body (C) may generate a curved path.

For example, when the angle actuator (12) arranges the coil (1) such that the magnetic field projects in the vertical direction, the third displacement mechanism (11) may move the magnetic field on the second predetermined path (TC 2). Preferably, the second predetermined path (TC2) is closed and the magnetic field moves cyclically.

Furthermore, by means of the first displacement mechanism (2), the magnetic field generated by the coil (1) can be displaced along the z-axis, while the fourth displacement mechanism (15) moves the magnetic field along a second predetermined path (TC 2). In this way, a stimulation of the magnetic field with a helical path can be generated to impact the body (C).

The geometry of the second predetermined path (TC2) is defined by the geometry of the second curved guide (19). The second curved guide (19) may be circular, oval, polygonal with rounded corners (e.g., square, rectangular, triangular, pentagonal, hexagonal, octagonal, or polygonal with more than three sides). The geometry of the first curved guide (16) may also be formed by a curve having a variable radius of curvature. Preferably, the first curved guide (16) is closed, whereby the third carriage (17) can be moved cyclically and continuously.

Likewise, the second curved guide (19) may be formed by a guide rail having a T or L cross section. Furthermore, the second curved guide (19) may be formed by a profile having a cross section of I, U, C or T.

The fourth carriage (20) may be similar to the first (3) and second (10) carriages as such. In addition, the fourth drive mechanism (21) may be similar to the first drive mechanism (6).

Preferably, the fourth carriage (20) has rolling elements (4) running on the second curved guide (19), wherein one of the rolling elements (4) is driven by a fourth drive mechanism (21). The fourth drive mechanism (21) is preferably an electric gear motor.

On the other hand, the first guide (5), the second guide (9), the first curved guide (16) and the second curved guide (19) are preferably selected from the group comprising: metals, such as carbon steel, cast iron, galvanized iron, chrome steel, chrome nickel titanium steel, nickel chromium molybdenum tungsten alloy, iron chromium molybdenum alloy, 301 stainless steel, 302 stainless steel, 304 stainless steel, stainless steel 316, 405 stainless steel, 410 stainless steel, 430 stainless steel, 442 stainless steel, manganese alloy steel, aluminum, brass, plastic materials, such as polyvinyl chloride (PVC); chlorinated polyvinyl chloride (CPVC); polyethylene terephthalate (PET), Polyamides (PA) (e.g., PA12, PA6, PA 66); polychlorotrifluoroethylene (PCTFE); polyvinylidene fluoride (PVDF); polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE); ethylene Chlorotrifluoroethylene (ECTFE); fiber reinforced plastics (polyester, vinyl ester, epoxy, vinyl) (e.g., glass, aramid, polyester), wood (conifers such as pine, oak, and walnut, broadleaf, fir, larch, spruce, other woods known to those skilled in the art to be suitable for structural use), polymers (e.g., polyester, vinyl ester, epoxy, vinyl), reinforced with fibers (e.g., polyester, glass, aramid, carbon), other materials known to those skilled in the art for structural use, and combinations thereof. English abbreviation); polyvinylidene fluoride (PVDF); polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE); ethylene Chlorotrifluoroethylene (ECTFE); fiber reinforced plastics (polyester, vinyl ester, epoxy, vinyl) (e.g., glass, aramid, polyester), wood (conifers such as pine, oak, and walnut, broadleaf, fir, larch, spruce, other woods known to those skilled in the art to be suitable for structural use), polymers (e.g., polyester, vinyl ester, epoxy, vinyl), reinforced with fibers (e.g., polyester, glass, aramid, carbon), other materials known to those skilled in the art for structural use, and combinations thereof.

Referring to fig. 10, in one example, the first displacement mechanism (2) may be a carriage guide mechanism including a first carriage (3), the first carriage (3) moving along a first guide (5). For example, the first carriage (3) may have rolling elements (4) engaging the first guide (5). The rolling elements (4) are selected from the group consisting of wheels, rubber wheels, wheels covered with rims, wheels for tracks, roller casters, similar elements known to the skilled person or a combination thereof.

As such, the first guide (5) may be a guide rail or a structural profile. The first guide (5) may be selected from the group consisting of a T-shaped guide rail, an L-shaped guide rail. Furthermore, the first guide (5) may be chosen from structural profiles with a section of I, U, C or T, the first guide (5) and the first carriage (3) being connectable by means of a dovetail joint.

For example, referring to fig. 10 and 12, the z-axis may extend vertically, whereby movement of the first displacement mechanism (2) along the first guide (5) allows the height of the coil (1) to be changed. In this case, the first guide (5) is connected to a horizontally arranged support surface (S).

Preferably, the support surface (S) is selected from the group consisting of a horizontal floor, a concrete mortar, a platform with a leveler arranged on the floor, a tray floor or a table, similar support surfaces known to the person skilled in the art, and combinations thereof.

For example, if the support surface (S) is a horizontal floor or a platform with a leveler, it is ensured that the first guide (5) with which the coil (1) can be moved along the z-axis without deviation is in a vertical position.

Referring to fig. 10, the first carriage (3) may be connected to a first drive mechanism (6), the first drive mechanism (6) generating a movement of the first carriage (3) along the first guide (5). Furthermore, the first guide (5) may comprise a rack connected to a gear wheel arranged in the rolling element (4) of the first carriage (3). The gear is connected to the first drive mechanism (6) by a transmission element selected from the group consisting of gears, toothed belts, chains, sprockets, and combinations thereof.

Optionally, the first drive mechanism (6) is selected from the group consisting of an electric motor, an internal combustion engine, a pneumatic motor, a hydraulic or gear motor, other types of equivalent motors known to those skilled in the art, and combinations thereof.

A first drive mechanism (6) is connected to the first carriage (3) for travel thereon.

Alternatively, on the other hand, the first drive mechanism (6) may be arranged in a raised position greater than the maximum working height of the device. In this case, the first drive mechanism (6) may be connected to the first carriage (3) by means of cables, chains, belts and combinations thereof, suspending the first carriage (3) from the first drive mechanism (6). This solution makes it possible to avoid loading the first drive mechanism (6) onto the first carriage (3), thus saving energy during operation of the first displacement mechanism (2).

On the other hand, in case the first motor means (6) is selected among electric motors, these may be selected among stepper motors, squirrel cage motors, asynchronous motors, direct current motors, motors with auxiliary starting and combinations thereof.

Further, in the case of gear motors, these may be selected from worm gear motors, cycloidal gear boxes, planetary gear motors, internal gear reducers, external gear reducers, other gear motors known to those skilled in the art, and combinations of the foregoing.

It will be understood in this disclosure that a gear motor includes a motor and a reduction gear that varies the torque and speed of the motor. The gear motor may be selected from the group consisting of an electric motor, an internal combustion engine, a pneumatic motor, and a hydraulic motor. Preferably, the gear motor has an electric machine.

Further, the first carriage (3) may also be driven by a first manual drive mechanism (6), for example by means of a lever, a pulley or a crane connected to the first carriage (3).

Optionally, the first drive mechanism (6) is selected from the group consisting of a mechanical winch, an electric winch, a chain, a belt, a cable pulling mechanism, an adhesive winch, a drum winch, similar winches known to those skilled in the art, and combinations thereof.

For example, the first carriage (3) is connected to the first drive mechanism (6) by a traction element selected from the group consisting of a cable, a belt, a chain and combinations thereof. In this way, the first guide (5) makes it possible to keep the first carriage (3) aligned on the z-axis while the first drive mechanism (6) applies a force to move the first carriage (3).

Optionally, the first drive mechanism (6) is connected to a brake device (7). In this case, the braking device (7) is selected from the group consisting of an electric brake (e.g. an electromagnet, an electro-hydraulic brake, a motor built-in brake), a reverse flow brake, a DC injection brake, other braking devices known to the skilled person and combinations thereof.

For example, an electromagnetic brake or an electrohydraulic brake consists of a disc connected to the power shaft of the first drive (6) and of a shoe which embraces the disc when the brake is activated.

In particular, the electromagnetic brake has a circuit that detects when the first drive mechanism (6) is activated and keeps the brake shoes open. When the circuit does not detect that the first motor mechanism (6) is activated, it closes the shoes to block the power shaft of the first motor mechanism (6).

As such, an electro-hydraulic brake includes a hydraulic system with a hydraulic pump, an actuator connected to a shoe, and a solenoid valve connected between the actuator and the hydraulic pump. The solenoid valve has a circuit that detects when the first drive mechanism (6) is activated and holds the brake shoes open. When the circuit does not detect that the first motor mechanism (6) is activated, it closes the shoes, blocking the power shaft of the first motor mechanism (6).

On the other hand, in case the first displacement mechanism (2) has a manually operated first motor mechanism (6), the first carriage (3) may comprise a manually operated brake device (7), e.g. the brake device (7) has a wedge mechanism, a press, a pin or a jaw blocking the first carriage (3) against the first guide (5).

Additionally, in the example case of cable-operated wherein the first drive mechanism (6) is manually operated, the first drive mechanism (6) may include a traction cable and a safety cable. The cable is connected to an emergency brake having an acceleration sensor which allows to detect if the trailing cable is broken, thus activating the emergency brake by breaking the safety cable.

Locking the safety cable is important to prevent the coil (1) from running away. If the coil (1) falls uncontrollably, it may hit the body (C). Furthermore, in case the body (C) is a living being, the coil (1) may hit the body, causing damage to the living being.

On the other hand, the first displacement mechanism (2) may be connected to the angular actuator (12) by means of a mechanical coupling, for example by means of a fixing element chosen between screws, bolts, pins, rivets, wedges, similar elements known to the skilled person and combinations thereof.

Furthermore, the first displacement mechanism (2) can be connected to the angle actuator (12) by means of a clamp, claw, spline shaft connection, wherein the female shaft with the coupling cavity is connected to the angle actuator (12) or the first displacement mechanism (2) and the male shaft is coupled to a socket of the female shaft located in the first displacement mechanism (2) or the angle actuator (12).

Preferably, the angular actuator (12) is mechanical and comprises a motor or a gear motor connected to a pinion chain or a pinion-rack or worm gear. In this case, the angle actuator (12) may comprise a braking device (7) as the braking device (7) of the first displacement mechanism (2).

The braking device (7) can be coupled to a motor or gear motor of the angle actuator (12). The braking device (7) makes it possible to brake the motor and to keep the angular actuator (12) in a fixed angular position, whereby the coil (1) can be tilted and kept in the desired angular position.

Likewise, the motor or gear motor of the angle actuator (12) may be similar to the first motor mechanism (6).

In another aspect, the angular actuator (12) is selected from the group consisting of a pneumatic actuator, a hydraulic actuator, a mechanical actuator, an electromechanical actuator, and combinations thereof. Such pneumatic, hydraulic, mechanical, electromechanical actuators may include single-acting actuators, double-acting actuators, spring-assisted return actuators, pneumatic or valve-assisted hydraulic actuators (e.g., distribution valves, choke valves, regulators, sequence valves, solenoid valves), mechanical actuators with motors, gear motors, and power transmission mechanisms (e.g., toothed pulleys, pinions, sprockets, spur gears, helical gears, chains, toothed belts, and combinations thereof), and combinations thereof.

The angle actuator (12) is formed, for example, by a gear motor having a first transmission element connected to a connected second transmission element, wherein the second transmission element is connected to the coil (1) by a shaft. The axis connected to the coil (1) allows to change the angle of the coil (1) by rotating the coil (1) with respect to the x-axis and/or the z-axis. Preferably, the coil rotates about either the x-axis or the y-axis.

In this case, the transmission element connecting the angular actuator (12) and the coil (1) may be selected from the group comprising a belt, a chain, a rack, a sprocket, a pulley, a toothed pulley, a straight or helical toothed gear, a friction wheel and combinations thereof.

Preferably, the transmission element connecting the coil (1) and the angular actuator (12) is arranged on a bearing located on a platform connected to the first displacement mechanism (2). The bearing is selected from the group consisting of a belt-tensioned-seat bearing, a split bearing, a flange bearing, an elliptical flange bearing, and combinations thereof.

On the other hand, in another embodiment of the magnetic stimulation device of tissue of the present disclosure, comprises:

a coil (1) generating a magnetic field;

an angle actuator (12) connected to the coil (1);

a first displacement mechanism (2) connected to the support surface (S) and to the angular actuator (12); and

a linear actuator (13) connected between the angular actuator (12) and the first displacement mechanism (2);

wherein the linear actuator (13) allows the coil (1) to move along the x-axis, the first displacement mechanism (2) moves the coil (1) along the z-axis, the angular actuator (12) rotates the coil (1) to change the direction of the magnetic field, and the magnetic field stimulates the body (C).

In this case, the apparatus of the present disclosure allows the linear actuator (13) to move the coil (1) along the x-axis. Preferably, the x-axis is orthogonal to the z-axis. The displacement of the coil (1) in the x-axis makes it possible to generate a linear movement of the magnetic field, whereby a path in the x-axis of said magnetic field can be generated on the body (C).

Furthermore, the linear actuator (13) may be activated simultaneously with the first displacement mechanism (2) in order to generate an axial stroke of the magnetic field on the body (C).

Optionally, the apparatus of the present disclosure allows the linear actuator (13) to move the coil (1) along the x-axis following a seventh path (106). This allows the coil (1) to be moved towards or away from the body (C).

Furthermore, the angle actuator (12) may arrange the coil (1) such that the magnetic field is oriented horizontally. For example, in fig. 7 and 13, a circular coil (1) is shown, which is arranged vertically by means of an angular actuator (12), whereby the magnetic field is projected from the coil (1) in the axial direction along the x-axis.

Alternatively, in a particular embodiment of the apparatus of the present disclosure, the angular actuator (12) rotates the coil (1) in a fourth predetermined path (TC4) thereby changing the angle between the axis of the coil (1) and the longitudinal axis of the tissue.

In this way, the magnetic field impinges on the body (C) in a direction orthogonal to the longitudinal axis of said body (C). For example, in case the body (C) is a human body, the magnetic field may impact the front of the human body. Furthermore, if the human body rotates, the magnetic field may impact the back or side of the body (C).

Also, the device may actuate the first displacement mechanism (2) to move the coil (1) along the z-axis. Returning to the example where the body (C) is a human body, the first displacement mechanism (2) may move the coil (1) along the body (C) so as to generate a path of the magnetic field in the z-axis direction.

In another aspect, the linear actuator (13) is selected from the group consisting of a pneumatic actuator, a hydraulic actuator, a mechanical actuator, an electromechanical actuator, and combinations thereof. Alternatively, the pneumatic actuator, hydraulic actuator, mechanical actuator, electromechanical actuator is selected from the group consisting of a single acting actuator, a double acting actuator, a spring assisted return actuator, a pneumatic actuator or a valve assisted hydraulic actuator (e.g., a distribution valve, a blocking valve, a regulator, a sequence valve, a solenoid valve), and combinations thereof.

Referring to fig. 10, an embodiment of a magnetic stimulation device for tissue taught by the present disclosure comprises:

a coil (1) generating a magnetic field;

an angle actuator (12) connected to the coil (1);

a first displacement mechanism (2) connected to the support surface (S) and to the angular actuator (12);

a second displacement mechanism (8) connected between the first displacement mechanism (2) and the angular actuator (12); and

wherein the linear actuator (13) allows the coil (1) to move along the x-axis, the first displacement mechanism (2) moves the coil (1) along the z-axis, the angular actuator (12) rotates the coil (1) to change the direction of the magnetic field, the second displacement mechanism (8) moves the coil (1) along the y-axis, and the magnetic field stimulates the body (C).

As mentioned above, the coil (1) can be moved along the y-axis, which is preferably perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the stimulated body (C). This movement in the transverse direction can be generated by mechanically connecting the coil (1) to a second displacement mechanism (8). In this case, the second displacement mechanism (8) is connected between the first displacement mechanism (2) and the angle actuator (12); wherein the second displacement mechanism (8) moves the coil (1) along the y-axis.

Likewise, the combination of the first displacement mechanism (2), the angular actuator (12), the linear actuator (13) and the second displacement mechanism (8) allows the coil (1) to be moved in three dimensions with respect to the coordinate system and the orthogonal axes x, y, z, and allows the coil (1) to be rotated with the angular actuator (12) with respect to one of the axes of the coordinate system. Thus, the magnetic field may be oriented to travel along a straight path, a curved path, a helical path, and combinations thereof, in the body (C).

Optionally, the first displacement mechanism (2), the angular actuator (12), the linear actuator (13) and the second displacement mechanism (8) are electrically actuated by means of a computing unit.

The calculation unit allows defining an actuation sequence by means of the movement patterns of the first displacement mechanism (2), the angular actuator (12), the linear actuator (13) and the second displacement mechanism (8) to trace a predetermined path (e.g. a straight path, a curved path, a tilted path) for the displacement of the coil (1) generating the magnetic field.

As such, the second displacement mechanism (8) is in particular selected from the group comprising winches, cranes, pneumatically actuated cylinders, hydraulically actuated cylinders, mechanically actuated or electromechanically actuated cylinders, single-acting cylinders, double-acting cylinders, gantry frames equipped with chain hoists, cables or belts, wherein the hoists may comprise skids allowing movement orthogonal to the longitudinal direction, scissor lifts, carriage guides and combinations thereof.

Furthermore, the second displacement mechanism (8) may be a manually operated mechanism, e.g. manually operated by means of a lever, a pulley, a crane.

For example, referring to fig. 10, 11 and 12, the second displacement mechanism (8) may be a carriage guide mechanism similar to the first displacement mechanism (2). In this case, the second displacement mechanism (8) is a carriage guide mechanism comprising a second guide (9) connected to the support surface (S); and a second carriage (10) movably connected to the second guide (9). Likewise, the second displacement mechanism (8) has a second motor mechanism (22) connected to the second carriage (10), wherein the second motor mechanism (22) moves the second carriage (10) along the second guide (9) according to a thirteenth trajectory (112).

The second drive mechanism (22) may be of the same type as the first drive mechanism (6) and may include a brake (7), the brake (7) allowing the position of the coil (1) to be fixed at the position of the y-axis.

Likewise, the second displacement mechanism (8) may comprise a rack provided in the second guide (9) which is connected to a gear provided in the rolling element (4) of the second carriage (10).

Referring to fig. 10 and 12, optionally, the apparatus further comprises a turntable (23) on the support surface (S), wherein the body (C) is arranged on the turntable (23). The turntable (23) allows the body (C) to rotate to change the incidence area of the magnetic field generated by the coil (1).

The turntable (23) comprises a drive mechanism selected from the group consisting of a motor, a gear motor, a lever, a crank mechanism, a gear mechanism, a chain mechanism, a pinion mechanism, a sprocket mechanism, a pulley mechanism, a toothed pulley mechanism and combinations thereof.

Preferably, the turntable (23) rests on a structure having a movable support allowing a rotary movement of said turntable (23). For example, the movable bearing may be a ball joint, a bearing, a concentric disc, and combinations thereof.

For example, the turntable (23) comprises a table anchored to the support surface (S). The table has a horizontal platen that includes bearings that engage the movable shaft. The movement shaft is connected to a turntable on which the body (C) is arranged. Furthermore, the moving shaft is connected to the driving mechanism, i.e. the gear motor, by a helical pinion drive connected at 90 degrees.

Referring to fig. 8, 9 and 10, on the other hand, the device of the present disclosure in one particular example comprises a third displacement mechanism (11) connected between the angular actuator (12) and the linear actuator (13), the third displacement mechanism (11) being connected to the distal end of the rod (14) of the linear actuator (13). The third displacement mechanism (11) is composed of:

a first curved guide (16) connected to the rod (14);

a third carriage (17) movably connected to the first curved guide (16); and

a third drive mechanism (18) connected to the third carriage (17)

Wherein the third drive mechanism (18) moves the third carriage (17) along the first curved guide (16) and the third displacement mechanism (11) moves the coil (1) along the first predetermined path (TC 1).

Furthermore, by means of the linear actuator (13), the magnetic field generated by the coil (1) can be moved along the x-axis, while the third displacement mechanism (11) moves the magnetic field along the first predetermined path (TC 1). In this way, magnetic stimulation (C) with a helical path can be generated along the tissue of the body (C).

The geometry of the first predetermined path (TC1) is defined by the geometry of the first curved guide (16). The first curved guide (16) may be circular, oval, polygonal with rounded corners (e.g., square, rectangular, triangular, pentagonal, hexagonal, octagonal, or polygonal with more than three sides). The geometry of the first curved guide (16) may also be formed by a curve having a variable radius of curvature. Preferably, the first curved guide (16) is closed, whereby the third carriage (17) can be moved cyclically and continuously.

Also, the first curved guide (16) may be formed of a guide rail having a T or L cross section. Furthermore, the first curved guide (16) can be formed by a profile with a cross section of I, U or L, or a C-cross section or in a T-section.

With reference to fig. 8, 9 and 10, the third carriage (17) may be similar to the first (3) and second (10) carriages in terms of it. In addition, the third drive mechanism (18) may be similar to the first drive mechanism (6).

Preferably, the third carriage (17) has rolling elements (4) running on a first curved guide (16), wherein one rolling element (4) is driven by a third drive mechanism (18). The third drive mechanism (18) is preferably an electric gear motor.

On the other hand, with reference to fig. 14, a flow chart of a particular embodiment of the method of magnetic stimulation of body (C) tissue of the present disclosure is shown, comprising the steps of: a) operatively arranging the coil (1) on the tissue of the body (C); b) generating a magnetic field by means of a coil (1); c) the coil (1) is moved around the tissue according to the determined motion pattern to stimulate the tissue.

In an embodiment of the method disclosed herein, the coil (1) is operatively arranged in step a) on tissue of the body (C), the location corresponding to the positioning of the coil (1) in three-dimensional space for determining the distance being from the body tissue (C).

In a particular embodiment of the method disclosed in this document, the distance between the coil (1) and the tissue varies according to a movement pattern established by the operator, defined in a calculation unit implementing the method, or simply to make the operator follow the method steps described in this document.

In a specific example, with reference to fig. 2, it is shown that corresponding to a body (C) of a person, the arrangement of coils (1) corresponds to points in a three-dimensional space around said body (C), wherein the axis of the coils (1) is coaxial with the longitudinal axis of the body (C) and the coils (1) are at the height of the sole of said body (C).

In addition, the arrangement of the coil (1) is not limited to the sole of a foot, and in other embodiments of the disclosed method it corresponds to a point in three-dimensional space where the body (C) may or may not be present.

In the same example of the method disclosed and described above, the act of arranging the coil (1) is performed by a magnetic stimulation device for tissue controlled by a computing unit, such as the device of the present disclosure.

In other examples of the method herein, the act of arranging the coil (1) is performed by an operator holding the coil (1).

In one embodiment of the disclosed method, in step b), the magnetic field generated by the coil (1) follows the activation signal.

In the described embodiment, the activation signal received by the coil (1) is a signal selected from an alternating current signal or a direct current, pulsed, alternating or non-alternating current pulse train, square wave, triangular wave, sawtooth wave, amplitude modulated wave, frequency modulated wave, phase modulated wave, pulse position modulated wave, periodically varying wave or a combination thereof. The signal is generated by a calculation unit or by a signal generator or a combination of the above based on a program and feedback.

In this particular embodiment of the method of the present disclosure, the programs referred to in this document correspond to information coded or not in the calculation unit, said programs modifying all the parameters of the activation signal that activates the coil (1). For example, the program may be a binary-coded file embedded in a microcontroller (computer unit of the control circuit) that executes a sequence of logical steps.

Optionally, in another embodiment of the method of the present disclosure, the calculation unit allows one or more trigger signals to be applied to the coil array out of phase with another one or more trigger signals within the sequentially determined time. With respect to stimulation, it is random or follows a procedure established for each coil (1) in the coil array.

In a particular example of the method of the present disclosure, the drive signal is a signal from an ac power source having a voltage between about 330Vac and about 20kVac and a frequency between about 0.1Hz and about 50KHz, e.g., 120Vac, 60Hz, 120Vac, 50Hz, 220Vac, 60Hz, 220Vac, 50 Hz. However, the coil (1) may operate on direct current.

In another example of the disclosed method, in step c), the motion pattern follows a path around the longitudinal axis of the tissue.

Optionally, the movement pattern is adjusted according to the degrees of freedom of the magnetic stimulation device of the tissue disclosed in this document.

In this context, when referring to the degrees of freedom of the stimulation device, it refers to the movement of the components comprised by the device in three dimensions, e.g. translation in three perpendicular axes, e.g. allowing vertical movement, horizontal, forward, backward, left, right, up and down, rotation, or a combination of the above movements.

In another example of the method of the present disclosure, in step b), the strength of the generated magnetic field is between about 0.1mT and about 200 mT. Within these magnetic field strength ranges, tissue can be optimally stimulated without damaging the tissue.

In another example of the method of the present disclosure, in step b), the strength of the generated magnetic field is between about 40mT and about 200 mT. Within these magnetic field strength ranges, tissue can be optimally stimulated without damaging the tissue.

Alternatively, in steps a) and c), the operator may perform the actions of positioning and moving the coil.

Alternatively, in steps a) and c), the displacement mechanism performs the action of positioning and moving the coil.

In a different embodiment of the method of the present disclosure, in step b), the activation signal is generated by an electrical and magnetic stimulation device.

Optionally, in a specific example of the apparatus and method of the present disclosure, the step c) activation signal is generated by an electrical and magnetic stimulation Device, such as the Device in patent application NC2017/0011756 entitled "electromagnetic stimulation Device for tissue (Device for electrical and magnetic stimulation of properties"), which provides a current to the coil (1) of the magnetic stimulation Device of the present disclosure and provides a change in the magnetic field.

In this same example, another computing unit may control the motion of the device of the present disclosure.

In one particular example of the method of the present disclosure, in step c), the motion pattern comprises a trajectory in three dimensions selected from the group of a straight trajectory, a curved trajectory (circular, parabolic, elliptical, spiral, conic spiral, spiral) and a combination of these trajectories.

In another example of the method of the present disclosure, in step c), the motion pattern changes the orientation of the coil. The orientation of the coil changes relative to the tissue, in particular it changes relative to the longitudinal axis of the tissue.

Referring to fig. 15, a flow diagram of a particular embodiment of another embodiment of the method of the present disclosure is shown, wherein in step c) the motion pattern performs the following sub-steps:

i) moving the coil (1) in a direction parallel to the longitudinal axis of the tissue following a motion pattern until the position of the coil (1) exceeds the length of the body tissue (C); and

ii) changing the orientation of the coil (1) such that the axis of the coil (1) forms a 90 degree angle with the longitudinal axis of the tissue.

The above-described embodiments can abruptly eliminate the stimulation of the body (C) by the magnetic field, thereby creating a magnetic dipole reorganization in the body tissue (C).

For the understanding of this document, a motion pattern refers to a sequence of movements or motions of the tissue in sequence, the combination of which allows a motion of the coil (1), thereby allowing a motion of the magnetic field vector in a three-dimensional space around the body (C) containing the tissue to be stimulated.

In a particular example of the method of the present disclosure, sub-step ii) corresponds to removing power from the coil. This allows the field stimulation that stimulates the tissue to be removed abruptly, allowing the polarization configuration of each tissue particle to remain unchanged at the end of the stimulation of the tissue.

Referring to fig. 16, a flow chart of another particular embodiment of the disclosed method is shown, wherein sub-step ii) is followed by sub-step iii) wherein the second mode of moving the coil is followed while maintaining a 90 degree angle with the longitudinal axis of the tissue and gradually moving the tissue coil away from the tissue. This allows the tissue to gradually stop stimulation and leave magnetic dipole recombinations of the established body tissue cells (C) behind.

Example 1: magnetic stimulation device with four degrees of freedom

In one embodiment of the disclosure, the device has a coil (1), which is a Helmholtz coil, which operates at a voltage between 330V and 20kV and generates a magnetic field in the body between 0.1mT and 200mT, preferably between 40mT and 200 mT.

In this case, the body (C) is a person as shown in fig. 10, and furthermore the device has a mechanical angle actuator (12) and comprises a gear motor with an electromagnetic braking device (7). The gear motor is bolted to a platform on the linear actuator (13). Further, the gearmotor of the angle actuator (12) has a first transmission element connected to a second transmission element, wherein the transmission elements connecting the coils (1) and the angle actuator (12) comprise shafts mutually supported on a single row of ball bearing blocks. These bearings are bolted to the table top.

On the other hand, the apparatus has a first displacement mechanism (2) and a second displacement mechanism (8), wherein both displacement mechanisms (2, 8) are carriage guide mechanisms. Each carriage guide mechanism comprises a carriage (3, 10) having rolling elements (4) engaging a first guide (5, 9).

Each guide (5, 9) is a T-profile on which the rolling element (4) rests. Furthermore, each guide (5, 9) has a rack which is connected to a gearwheel arranged in the rolling element (4) of the carriage (3, 10), wherein both displacement mechanisms (2, 8) have drive mechanisms (6, 22) which are geared motors connected to the gearwheel of the rolling element (4), wherein each displacement mechanism (2, 8) is connected to the carriage (3, 10) by means of a bolt.

On the other hand, the first displacement mechanism (2), the angular actuator (12), the linear actuator (13) and the second displacement mechanism (8) are connected to a Programmable Logic Controller (PLC).

In an embodiment of the disclosure, the combination of the first displacement mechanism (2), the angular actuator (12), the linear actuator (13) and the second displacement mechanism (8) enables a three-dimensional movement of the coil (1) with respect to the coordinate system and the orthogonal axes x, y, z, and allows a rotation of the coil (1) with respect to one of the axes of the coordinate system by means of the angular actuator (12). Thus, the magnetic field may be oriented to travel on the body (C) along a straight path, a curved path, a helical path, and combinations thereof.

The calculation unit allows defining an actuation sequence by means of the movement patterns of the first displacement mechanism (2), the angular actuator (12), the linear actuator (13) and the second displacement mechanism (8) to trace a predetermined path (e.g. straight, curved, inclined) for the coil (1) to generate a magnetic field. The magnetic field, in turn, is generated by means of an activation signal having a fixed useful period of 15%, a peak-to-peak voltage of 330V and a frequency of 1kHz, the activation signal being programmed in the same calculation unit.

Example 2: five-degree-of-freedom magnetic stimulation equipment

In another embodiment of the present disclosure, with the apparatus of example 1, a turntable (23) on a support surface (S) is added, wherein the body (C) is disposed on the turntable (23). The turntable (23) comprises a table anchored to the support surface (S). The table has a horizontal platen that includes bearings that engage the movable shaft. The movement shaft is connected to a turntable on which the body (C) is arranged. Furthermore, the moving shaft is connected to the driving mechanism, i.e. the gear motor, by a helical pinion drive connected at 90 degrees.

The apparatus and methods described in this disclosure are not limited to the manner described and illustrated, since variations and possible modifications exist that do not depart from the spirit of the disclosure, which is defined only by the claims that follow, as will be apparent to those skilled in the art.

Claims

1. A magnetic stimulation device for tissue, comprising:

a coil that generates a magnetic field; and

a first displacement mechanism connected to the coil and to a support surface;

wherein the first displacement mechanism moves the coil around the tissue to stimulate the tissue.

2. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the first displacement mechanism is connected to the coil by an angular actuator; wherein the angular actuator rotates the coil to change the direction of the magnetic field.

3. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the first displacement mechanism is connected to a control circuit that controls movement of the displacement mechanism.

4. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the coil is a Helmholtz coil arrangement.

5. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the first displacement mechanism is selected from the group consisting of a winch, a crane, a pneumatically actuated cylinder, a hydraulically actuated cylinder, a mechanically or electromechanically actuated cylinder, a single acting cylinder, a double acting cylinder, a gantry provided with a chain hoist, a cable or a belt, wherein the hoist can include a skid, a scissor lift, a carriage guide mechanism, and combinations thereof, that allows movement orthogonal to the longitudinal direction.

6. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the first displacement mechanism is a carriage guide mechanism comprising:

a first guide connected to the support surface;

a first carriage movably coupled to the first guide; and

a first drive mechanism connected to the first carriage;

wherein the first drive mechanism moves the first carriage along the first guide.

7. The apparatus of claim 6, wherein the first displacement mechanism comprises a brake device connected to the first drive mechanism.

8. The apparatus of claim 2, wherein the first displacement mechanism is connected to the angular actuator by means of a linear actuator;

wherein the linear actuator allows the coil to move along the x-axis.

9. The apparatus of claim 8, further comprising a second displacement mechanism connected between the first displacement mechanism and the angular actuator; wherein the second displacement mechanism moves the coil along the y-axis.

10. The apparatus of claim 1, further comprising:

a second displacement mechanism connected between the first displacement mechanism and the angular actuator; and

a linear actuator connected between the angular actuator and the second displacement mechanism;

wherein the second displacement mechanism moves the coil along the y-axis and the linear actuator allows the coil to move along the x-axis.

11. The apparatus of claim 10, further comprising:

a third displacement mechanism connected between the angular actuator and the linear actuator, the third displacement mechanism connected to a distal end of a rod of the linear actuator; the third displacement mechanism has:

a first curved guide connected to the rod;

a third carriage movably connected to the first curved guide; and

a third drive mechanism connected to the third carriage;

wherein the third displacement mechanism moves the coil on a first path and the third drive mechanism moves the third carriage along the first curved guide.

12. The apparatus of claim 11, further comprising:

a fourth displacement mechanism connected between the linear actuator and the second displacement mechanism; the fourth shift mechanism includes:

a second curved guide connected to the second displacement mechanism;

a fourth carriage movably connected to the second curved guide; and

a fourth drive mechanism connected to the fourth carriage;

wherein the fourth displacement mechanism moves the coil on a second path, and the fourth drive mechanism moves the fourth carriage along the second curved guide.

13. The apparatus of claim 12, further comprising a turntable on the surface, wherein the body is disposed on the turntable.

14. A method of magnetic stimulation of tissue comprising the steps of:

a) operatively disposing a coil on tissue of a body;

b) generating a magnetic field by means of the coil; and

c) moving the coil around the tissue according to a motion pattern to stimulate the tissue.

15. The method of claim 14, wherein in step b), the magnetic field follows an activation signal.

16. The method of claim 14, wherein in step c) the motion pattern follows a path about a longitudinal axis of the tissue.

17. The method according to claim 14, wherein in step b) the magnetic field generated on the tissue has a strength between 0.1mT and 200 mT.

18. The method of claim 14, wherein in step c) the motion pattern changes the orientation of the coil.

19. The method according to claim 14, wherein in step c) the motion pattern performs the following sub-steps:

i) moving the coil in a direction parallel to the longitudinal axis of the tissue following a motion pattern until the position of the coil exceeds the length of the body tissue; and

ii) changing the orientation of the coil such that the axis of the coil forms a 90 degree angle with the longitudinal axis of the tissue.

20. The method of claim 19, wherein sub-step ii) corresponds to removing power from the coil.

21. A method according to claim 19, wherein sub-step ii) is followed by sub-step iii) in which the coil is moved following a second motion pattern in which the axis of the coil is maintained at a 90 degree angle to the longitudinal axis of the tissue and is gradually moved away from the tissue until the magnetic field no longer stimulates the tissue.

22. A method according to claim 21, wherein sub-step iii) is followed by sub-step iv), in which sub-step iv) the orientation of the coil is changed such that the axis of the coil is parallel to the longitudinal axis of the tissue.